Fatigue

INTRODUCTION
The ever-increasing pressures of commercial shipping, combined with cuts in crewing levels and increasing paperwork, are fuelling serious safety problems - with many seafarers suffering dangerous levels of stress and fatigue. There is mounting evidence of the role played by fatigue in many accidents and 'near-misses', whilst long hours pose a major threat to the health of maritime professionals.

REASON FOR CAMPAIGN
Seafarers often work hours that would not be tolerated in any other mode of transport. Safety at sea is seriously compromised by fatigue, with often catastrophic consequences. Research carried out with the support of Nautilus International shows:

• one in four seafarers say they have fallen asleep while on watch
• almost half report working 85-hour weeks or more
• almost half say their working hours increased over the last 10 years despite regulations being introduced
• almost half consider their working hours may pose a danger to personal safety
• around 37% say their working hours may pose a danger to the safe operations of their ship

Research by the Union also shows how the problems are exacerbated by false record keeping and lack of enforcement of the regulations.

ACTION
Nautilus International long campaigned against fatigue and crewing cuts, and is working to secure more effective controls over minimum safe manning levels. The Union is lobbying for better enforcement of the hours of work and rest rules, and pressing for further research into ways of tackling the problem.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
If you're working in the maritime sector and not already a member of Nautilus International, join now by clicking here. Why should you become a member? Click here.